Communities act to build resilience against drugs
17 June 2011
Helping young people become more resilient is the main focus of Drug Action Week (19-25 June) activities next week in the New England and North West.
Drug Action Week is held nationally to raise awareness about drugs and other alcohol issues within Australia.
Hunter New England Health community project officer Helena Hodgson said building resilience and changing the drinking culture of young Australians was the main theme taken up by Community Drug Action Teams (CDATs) in the region this year.
“Community Drug Action Teams bring together people who live and work in a local area who want to do something about issues affecting their communities,” Ms Hodgson said.
“Alcohol and other drugs remains a major health issue for many Australians, particularly young people,” Ms Hodgson said.
“This year, the drug action teams have looked to provide a positive alternative for young people.”
The region’s drug action teams have engaged motivational speaker Sam Cawthorn for a series of talks and workshops with high school students.
In 2006, the Tasmanian was badly injured in a car accident in which he lost an arm and was told he would never walk again.
“Sam’s journey enabled him to develop the mental resilience and strength to recover from an accident that could have taken his life,” Ms Hodgson said.
“He doesn’t believe in bouncing back, only bouncing forward. Sam is an inspirational young man.”
Sam Cawthorn will speak at:
• Tuesday, 21 June – in Moree at Moree Secondary College and Philomena's High School
• Wednesday, 22 June – in Inverell at Inverell, McIntyre and Holy Trinity high schools
• Thursday, 23 June – at Warialda and Bingara high schools
• Friday, 24 June – at Glen Innes High School (to students from Glen Innes and Tenterfield)
• Monday, 27 June – at Wee Waa and Narrabri high schools
Tamworth Library is hosting an information evening (Alcohol – know what you need to know) for young people, parents, educators and the general public on Thursday, 23 June from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. Contact Wendy Millar on 6767 5212 for details.
* Note for media: Community Drug Action Teams in our region are supported by Hunter New England Health through its Drug and Alcohol Clinical Services.
Contact: Frances Holz
Phone: 4939 2216